Toronto Marlies return home with win

Greg McKegg nets pair in victory over Charlotte Checkers after long road trip.

Greg McKegg of the Marlies scored twice in Saturday's win over the Charlotte Checkers.

By:The Canadian Press, Published on Sat Nov 16 2013

Greg McKegg had two goals and two assists, powering the Toronto Marlies past the visiting Charlotte Checkers 4-1 at Ricoh Coliseum on Saturday.

“It was nice to break out like that and get some confidence,” said McKegg, who entered the day with three goals and two assists in 13 games.

It was the Marlies’ first home game since Oct. 26. They went 2-3-1 on a six-game trip while the annual Royal Agricultural Winter Fair took up residence. With Marlies centres Trevor Smith and Jerred Smithson up with the Maple Leafs, McKegg skated on the top line and made the most of the opportunity.

“He’s done everything we’ve asked as a first-line centre,” said Marlies coach Steve Spott. “He’s doing now in this league what I saw him do in junior. It’s nice to see him play with confidence.

“He’s always been known as an offensive player, but he’s becoming a complete 200-foot player. When you look at Tyler Bozak with Toronto, that’s got to be the future for Greg McKegg, where he’s a top two-line centreman in the NHL who can be trusted in all three zones and can play in all situations. He’s doing that right now and he’s got a real bright future in Toronto.”